SANTA CLARA (Calif.) -- While the San Francisco 49ers expect rookie quarterback Trey Lance back to practice Wednesday, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo will continue to be the starter Sunday against Chicago Bears.
After Sunday's loss to Indianapolis Colts by 30-18, the Niners coach Kyle Shanahan was uncertain about his quarterback against Chicago. He cited the need for Lance and Garoppolo to be in good health before making a decision.
Shanahan received enough information Monday afternoon to declare Garoppolo the starter. He hopes Lance can practice enough this week to be able to play situationally against Bears.
Shanahan stated, "In terms of deciding which quarterback is going at, that has to do Jimmy's health." "Jimmy, I wanted his calf to be checked. It's good today so he will be starting. Trey should get back to practice and have a week where he can dress. If he does end up dressing, there's always the chance that he'll get some plays.
Garoppolo appeared to be fine after the game, but he stated that he could feel his previously bruised right calf during the matchup, although it didn't hinder his performance.
Garoppolo stated, "It held up." It was definitely felt at times. It is, however, what it is.
Shanahan said Garoppolo still had his worst game of the season against Colts. He went 16-of-27, for 181 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions, as well as a lost fumble.
The Niners are currently in the midst a four-game losing streak and Lance's call for him to be the starter has gotten louder among fans. Shanahan was clearer Monday, however, when he spoke out about his quarterback situation. He said that he did not view the Indianapolis game to be a referendum on Garoppolo’s status as the starter.
Shanahan stated, "We didn’t go into that match thinking that Jimmy was one bad play away from losing his job." He was certainly capable of playing better, but it wasn't a game in which 'Hey Jimmy, if Jimmy has one poor game, he's going to lose his job.' Trey is our future and we know that he's the best and will do everything in our power to make sure he's happy and healthy.
This means Lance's left knee will be fully healed. Lance sustained that injury in his only NFL game, Oct. 10, against the Arizona Cardinals. This was due to the calf injury Garoppolo sustained the week prior.
Lance was 15-of-29 for 219 yards and an interception against Cardinals. He also ran 16 times for 89 yard. However, all of these rushes had a negative impact on Lance's knee. Shanahan informed Lance that Lance would be out for a week due to the injury.
Pregame, Lance was inactive against the Colts. Nate Sudfeld served as Garoppolo’s backup. Shanahan anticipates Lance will return to practice Wednesday. This at least gives him the opportunity to take over the backup role for Garoppolo.
Shanahan stated that Trey hadn't practiced for two weeks since his knee injury. He'll likely be restricted when he returns, which will be Wednesday. "I don't know what I'm going to do, so we'll just have to wait and see. It's unlikely that you will just rotate quarterbacks right away when it comes down to the game plan and other details.
